Page 15 of A Little Complicated

Squirming against him, I pull in a lungful of air. “Careful. If you keep squeezing me like this, I might lose my dinner.”

His grip loosens instantly, and he brushes my hair away from my face. “Shit, sorry.”

With a light laugh, I tilt my head up, kissing his full lips. It’s warm. Comfortable. He reminds me of hot chocolate or a nice bath after sledding, like when we were kids.

I like it.

I likehim.

The thought flutters around my mind and envelops my constant reluctance whenever I get lost in my head. I lean into his touch a little more, enjoying the moment. The summer air around us is still warm, and the twinkling stars hang high in the sky. It’s beautiful and peaceful and perfect. Honestly? I’ve been building up my expectations for life after high school in my head for so long, it’s nice to finally be here. On campus. With Archer and an awesome college experience here for the taking.

“Can’t believe you’re finally here,” he murmurs, reading my mind.

I sigh against his lips. “Me too.”

“And this time, you aren’t going anywhere.” He squeezes me again like he can’t help himself. “I’m so glad you decided to come to LAU.”

I pull away slightly. “You really think I would’ve chosen somewhere else?”

“Good point.” He kisses me again. “How was moving in? I’m sorry I couldn’t be here.”

“It was fine. I blasted some music, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work.”

“That’s my girl.”

“Your girl, huh?” I cock my head as the words roll off my tongue.

“Is that a problem?”

I bite my bottom lip, considering his question.

I don’t know. Is it?

I should be happy he’s so casual about claiming me.

Wanting me.

But there’s a twinge of tightness in my stomach, and I can’t pinpoint why. Is it excitement? Anticipation?Fear?Of losing my best friend if we continue down this road and decide dating is a bad idea. Fear of us moving too fast. Fear of rocking the boat and pissing his family off if things don’t work out. Honestly, I’m not sure, but I’m not delusional enough to think it has nothing to do with my still-mending heart.

“Did I say something wrong?” Archer asks. He dips low and puts himself in my line of sight in hopes of bringing me back to the present.

It works.

“No, you definitely didn’t say anything wrong,” I promise. “I guess I was so used to being Mystery Man’s dirty little secret, it’s kind of strange having a guy openly call me his.”

“Well, I’ll shout it from the rooftops if I have to.”

“No need,” I interrupt with a laugh, adding, “Seriously, don’t. Although you should be jealous because Jaxon asked if I wanted to hang out tonight with everyone, and I told him you already had plans of stealing me.”

“Damn right, I had plans with you.” He squeezes me against his chest again before letting me go. “But I’m glad you have everyone else to hang out with too. I actually feel kind of bad. My mentor wants me to travel with him quite a bit this summer, so it will be busy for me.”

“Dude, same.” I smooth out the starched dress shirt against his strong chest as it expands beneath my touch. “Not about the traveling part, but between hockey practice and the fundraiser Jaxon mentioned, I’m afraid I might be so busy I won’t even notice you’re gone.”

He grimaces. “Well, I hope you’llkind ofnotice.”

I roll my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah.” He pushes my hair away from my face. “I still feel bad, though.”

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